Welcome to SE23
I love this time of the year when the nights start getting a little bit lighter and Spring is very much in the air. This month those of us who are lucky will celebrate Mother’s Day on the 30th. Remember the clocks go forward on the same day.
As usual I have rounded up all the great events taking place in and around Dulwich. The events pages start on page 6. March is always a busy month for events, so we have a fabulous nine pages of online and in person events happening in and around Dulwich.
Please do check any event before turning up to make sure that they are still going ahead. Remember to check out www.arounddulwich.co.uk too as many events get added after I have gone to print. You can often find out more details online too.
If you are running a local event you can add it, for free, to our online calendar on Around Dulwich. Find out more on page 29.
The Last Word goes to Michael Spencer, a local artist who is exhibiting at artdog until the 2nd March. Find out more on page 32.
Remember the magazine depends on all the wondeful local advertisers, so please do let them know if you saw them in this magazine!
Until next time.
Angela
Angela Burgess Head of All Things Community SE Magazines/Around Dulwich
Call 020 8693 9040 angela@semagazines.co.uk www.semagazines.co.uk @semags_arounddulwich @SEMagazines
@SEMags_ADulwich
If you would like to advertise in our next issue, you can download our rates from our website any time. Or if you prefer, give me a call!
April Deadline - 14 March (please allow an extra two days if design is required) To advertise in SE23 please contact Angela Burgess on 020 8693 9040 or e-mail: angela@semagazines.co.uk for further information. You can download our media pack from our website: www.semagazines.co.uk.
Events Calendar - March
Weekly Online Breathing Class p8.
Dulwich Park Runners see p9.
Women & Politics, see p9.
Honor Oak WI, see p18.
Goose Green Coffee Mornings, p18.
Zoom Portraiture see p18.
BNI Adventures, see p18.
Goose Green Lunch Club, p19.
Makeup Bag SOS, see p19.
Life Drawing & Painting, see p9.
Second Act: What Late Bloomers Can Tell You About Success p25.
Dulwich Park Runners see p9.
Life Drawing & Painting, see p9.
Weekly Online Breathing Class p8.
Dulwich Park Runners see p9.
Goose Green Coffee Mornings, p18.
Book Swap Social, see p26.
EDWI - International Women’s Day, p26.
Goose Green Coffee Mornings, p18.
Zoom Portraiture see p18.
BNI Adventures, see p18.
Rodin, Dante & The Gates of Hell, see p26.
BNI Adventures, see p18.
Goose Green Lunch Club, p19.
Somin Kim’s School of Kimchi, see p24.
parkruns, see p6.
Bell House Open Garden,
Life Drawing & Painting, see p9.
Weekly Online Breathing Class p8.
Dulwich Park Runners see p9.
Goose Green Coffee Mornings, p18
Under 5s Explore: Mini Masterpieces, see p27.
Zoom Portraiture see p18.
Lewisham Underwater Hockey, see p19..
Beginners Running Courses p25.
Drop Drop Slow Tears - St Stephen’s Consort, p24.
see p6. parkruns, see p6.
see p6. Lewisham Underwater Hockey, see p19. Lewisham Underwater Hockey, see p19.
see
parkruns, see p6.
Damien Barber & Mike Wilson, Creeping Jane, James Eagle @ The
Lewisham Underwater Hockey, see p19.
Further details where available can be found in the News and Events pages 6, 8, 9, 18, 19, 24, 25,
& 27. Please read as not all the events can fit on the calendar!
Dulwich WI, see page 26.
The Weekly Horniman Market p8.
Junior parkruns,
p8.
Junior parkruns, see p8.
Goose Green Lunch Club, p19.
Singaround, p25.
Just Up The Road Exhibition see p6.
Chaat & Chai, p25.
So Last Century’s Vintage Fair p8.
Dulwich Symphony Orchestra plays Holst/Sibelius/ Brahms, p27.
BNI Adventures, see p18.
Goose Green Lunch Club, p19.
Junior parkruns, see p8.
Ivy House, p28.
Junior parkruns, see p8.
Men Walk Talk, p6.
The Weekly Horniman Market p8.
The Weekly Horniman Market p8.
The Weekly Horniman Market p8.
Fathoms - Exhibition of Seascapes by Clare Emily, see p19. Intergenerational Art Exhibition, see p24.
Kingswood Arts Gala Fundraiser, see p27.
Craft & Sip Social, see p26.
p6.
Fathoms - Exhibition of Seascapes by Clare Emily, see p19.
Midcentury Modern® p27.
The Weekly Horniman Market p8.
Junior parkruns, see p8. Mother’s Day
From autumn 2025, parents of our Kindergarten and Pre-Reception children will have the option to join holiday provision at 99 Herne Hill for up to 7-8 weeks over the course of a year.
What's On - March
Saturday 1 March: Bell House Open Garden
11.30am-1pm. We welcome you to explore our garden in the heart of Dulwich. The extraordinary 2.5-acre site, designed and maintained entirely by volunteers, is comprised of three large gardens. Visitors will first experience the quintessential English Walled Garden, filled with raised beds brimming with organically grown fruits, vegetables and cutting flowers. Then visitors can meander through the meadow, underneath the ancient, multi-stemmed oak, into the House Garden. The nectar rich pollinator border, thoughtfully designed to accommodate a wide range of pollinators, is a riot of colour throughout the summer and interesting forms through the winter. The rear of this garden is wooded, providing a sanctuary for wildlife. Finally, visitors will find themselves in the Pickwick Garden, complete with Polytunnel and nursery area to assist us with our commitment to gardening sustainably. Throughout your visit, you can take a peaceful moment to sit and relax with a tea or coffee from our refreshment stall. To keep this event as accessible as possible, you can make a donation of an amount affordable to you. Our suggested donation is £5 per person. Your donation goes directly to garden maintenance and initiatives. www.bellhouse.co.uk.
Bell House, 27 College Road, Dulwich, SE21 7BG.
Until 2 March: Artdog London presents Just Up the Road
11am-5pm Sat & 11am-3pm Sun. Drawings of local green spaces by Michael Spencer. A percentage of all sales from this exhibition will go to support Lewisham Food Bank. www.artdoglondon.co.uk artdog gallery, 23 Brockley Rise, Honor SE23 1JG.
Saturdays 1, 8, 15 & 22
March: Parkrun 9am – 10am
Dulwich Parkrun
Free, weekly timed 5k run, jog, or walk in Dulwich Park starting from Queen Mary’s Gate. Register once and bring your printed barcode (can be used at any parkrun across the world). Firsttimers briefing at 08.50. Also in Peckham Rye, Brockwell and Crystal Palace parks. https://www.parkrun.org.uk/dulwich/
Peckham Rye Park Run
A 3-lap anti clockwise course, entirely on tarmac and is mainly flat and therefore a potential PB course The start & finish are located close to the Colyton Road entrance of the park.
Peckham Rye Park, Colyton Road SE15 4JR. https://www.parkrun.org.uk/peckhamrye/
Saturday 1 March: Men Walk Talk - Honor Oak
10am-11am. A monthly walk for men, taking in the green spaces of SE23 and surrounding area. Traditionally, men often avoid seeking mental health support, but we provide a community of support for guys to know they are not alone, and they can speak up. Join Richard for a walk and a talk on the first Saturday of every month. For more information: menwalktalk.co.uk. 76-78 Honor Oak Park, SE23 1DY
What's On - March
Sundays 2, 9, 16
& 23 March: Junior Parkrun
Peckham Rye - 9am - 9:30am
A free, weekly, timed run for 4–14-year-olds, to get fit, stay healthy and have fun! We run 2km every Sunday morning at 9am, through rain and shine. The course is visible, well-marshalled, and all held on the paths around the sports pitches. Peckham Rye Park, Colyton Road, SE22 0NE. www.parkrun.org.uk/peckhamrye-juniors/
Brockwell Park - 9am - 9:30am
A free 2km fun run for 4–14-year-olds every Sunday in Brockwell Park. Just register on parkrun.com to get a barcode and meet behind the lido at 8:55 for a briefing. Come rain or shine, Easter, or Christmas we meet every week. Brockwell Park, Dulwich Road SE24 0PA. www.parkrun.org.uk/brockwell-juniors/
Sundays
2, 9, 16 & 23 March:
The Weekly Horniman Market
10am – 3pm. Located on the Bandstand Terrace, you will find stalls selling seasonal fruit and vegetables, artisan bread and cheese, organic meat, and delicious street food. If that’s not enough to have you feeling like our overstuffed walrus, we also have regular guest traders specialising in treats such as luxury chocolates, delightful drinks, irresistible cakes, and tasty pickle and preserves. www.horniman.ac.uk/ 100 London Road, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ
Sunday 2 March: So Last Century's Vintage Fair, New Cross 10.30am-4pm
So Last Century is at Goldsmiths, University of London this Spring, with another vintage show in the enormous Great Hall, inside the Richard Hoggart Building. On the day you’ll find 50 handpicked vintage dealers with a great selection of affordable mid-20th century furniture, lighting, homeware, ceramics, glass, textiles and furnishings, original 1960s and 70s posters and art, prints and charts, brocante and salvage, vintage designer fashion, accessories and more. Cafe Thirty-Five will be open on site, serving hot drinks and food all day (card payments only).
Entry: Advance tickets 2-for-1 offer available for a limited period. Or pay on the door (card or cash). £3 (or £2 on the door if you follow us on Instagram , Facebook, Twitter or TikTok).
Entry for Goldsmiths’ students and staff with Uni ID is £1. Under 16s, FREE. Goldsmiths, University of London, 8 Lewisham Way, SE14 6NW. https://www.solastcenturyfair.co.uk/
Tuesdays 4, 11, 18 & 25
March: Weekly Online
Breathing Class
7pm – 7.40pm. A 40-minute breathing and relaxation class. Unwind, centre yourself and use the breath to help relax and prepare for a restful evening. Using different breathing techniques that can be incorporated into your day along with a few gentle mat-based stretches and ending with Yoga Nidra a full body guided meditation for deep relaxation. All welcome. No experience is needed. £7. To join please use the link below: https://liveyogateachers.com/classes/ meditation-open-level-kerry-flower
Tuesdays 4, 11, 18 & 25
March: Life Drawing and Painting 7pm – 8pm
This is an online drawing & painting session conducted via Zoom. Long pose life painting and drawing. A single pose held for three hours with 5-minute model breaks every 25 minutes. The Dulwich Art Group & School. www.dulwichartgroup.co.uk.
Tuesdays 4, 11, 18 & 25
March: DPR Social Runs
7:30pm – 8:30pm
Fantastic local running club. Social runs every Tuesday 7.30pm at Trevor Bailey Sports Ground on the south circular. Plus runs every Sunday morning; coached sessions on Thursdays; cross country races; competitions; weekends away; frequent social activities. Come along on a Tuesday to try us out!
www.dulwichparkrunners.co.uk enquiries@dulwichparkrunners.com
Trevor Bailey Club House Dulwich Common SE21 7HA
What's On - March
Tuesday 4 March: Women and Politics 7.30pm-9pm
The Dulwich Society is hosting an engaging evening of thought-provoking discussion exploring politics and equality with a distinguished panel of women leaders. Our panel features a lineup of influential speakers:
Baroness Harriet Harman: Britain’s longestserving female MP and a trailblazer for women’s rights.
Baroness Caroline Pidgeon: Liberal Democrat peer and passionate advocate for gender equality in politics.
Helen Hayes: MP for Dulwich and West Norwood, known for her work on social justice and public policy.
Naima Ali: Mayor of Southwark with valuable experience in local government and community advocacy.
Resham Kotecha: of Women2Win, working to encourage more Conservative women to enter politics and make their voices heard.
The discussion will be expertly chaired by BBC News correspondent and BBC political reporter Aruna Iyengar, known for her incisive journalism and commitment to exploring issues facing women in the political sphere.
Tickets: £8 for Dulwich Society members and £13 for the public. All proceeds go to local charities. Alleyn’s School, Townley Road SE22 8SR www.dulwichsociety.com.
Dulwich Hamlet FC
dulwichhamletfc.co.uk | info@dhst.org.uk | Champion Hill Stadium, Edgar Kail Way, East Dulwich,
After an action-packed February at Champion Hill, where the home games came thick and fast, it’s time to get ready for March Madness.
But before we dive into the crucial fixtures, we’d like to send SE Magazines huge pink ‘n’ blue cheers for 20 glorious years! And a particular thank you to Angela from all at Dulwich Hamlet Supporters’ Trust. Here’s to the next 20!
They start on Saturday March 1st with the visit of Lewes to Champion Hill. With FA Cup penalty heartache against The Rooks still fresh in the memory for our women’s side, this is a chance for our men to brighten the skies and help us leap into spring.
The following week sees our men away at Hashtag United on Saturday 8th; with our women also on the road, travelling to Chesham United the following day. Back at home, Saturday 15th pits the men against Cheshunt at Champion Hill. At the time of writing both Cheshunt and Lewes are hovering not far above us, with the relegation zone not far below, so these home clashes are key. We’ll need all the support we can muster. Our men then travel south to face Dover Athletic on Saturday 22nd.
Our women’s only home game of the month – barring the Capital Cup draw – is on Sunday 23rd when we host Queens Park Rangers. Despite the big name QPR is in a similar league boat to our Hamlet, but nevertheless it would be something to send The Hoops packing. Get along to The Hill for that one.
The month signs off for our men with the visit of Dartford to Champion Hill on Saturday 29th. We’ll know more about the jeopardy of the league ladder by then, but with Dartford challenging right at the top of the table, this would be some scalp. Join us at The Hill and cheer on all the pink and all the blue.
The draws for the next rounds of the London Senior Cup and the Capital Women’s Cup may well throw us home fixtures in March, so keep an eye on the club site at dulwichhamletfc. co.uk for all the latest news.
And please join us at The Hill, in the clubhouse bar, for our next quiz night on
Wednesday 19th. Ever popular, always fun, and sometimes controversial, we’re raising funds for the big anniversary trip to Altona in Hamburg this July. Lots more on that in the next issue. As well as the quiz there’ll be a raffle with some fantastic prizes, both Dulwich- and Altona-coloured, so come along and check here for more details: https://dulwichhamletfc.co.uk/latest-news/altona-1893
As the season gets serious, please also consider joining the Dulwich Hamlet Supporters’ Trust. The Trust represents Hamlet support, unites our community, and makes its voice heard. at the heart of East Dulwich.
Happy birthday SE Mags and Up the Hamlet!
London SE22 8BD.
} Focusing exclusively on cutting-edge Early Childhood Education (age 2+ to 7+), the most crucial period in a child’s life
} Transitioning seamlessly from play-based to more structured learning, preparing the children to move on at 7+ with that special Herne Hill School spark
} Embedding key values and developing ‘the whole child’ through a unique, continuous five-year curriculum
} Expert staff operating under the ethos of Love · Care · Excellence in which children excel and learn with fun and enthusiasm
} Extensive wrap-around care from 7.45am to 6pm
Spring Bulb Container Ideas
Garden Talk with Janine Winlaw | Instagram @janinewinlaw
It may still be rather chilly, but when the sun comes out, warming your face and the sky is blue, it does feel as though spring is on the horizon. You may have been organised enough to get some early spring bulbs into the ground, but if you didn’t get round it to it, or you’re impatient for your bulbs to appear, using container plants to showcase seasonal beauties is a great way of adding a little early colour into the garden.
Terracotta, stone or zinc pots are classic. Group a few different shapes and sizes outside the front door or near a window where you can bring colour right up to the house. You could either create a mix of blooms in each pot to create or use one variety en mass in each pot for extra impact. A line of small terracotta pots along the windowsill with different shades of blue muscari looks super pretty for example.
As well as muscaria, bulbs to look out for in your local garden centre include crocus varieties,
Anemone blanda, hyacinths and lovely delicate Fritillaria meleagris. Primulas such as polyanthus and more subtle native Primula vulgaris look lovely in pots too, as well as alpines such as saxifrage to bring colour right up to the door. When it comes to design, try to harmonise colours such as pinks, purples and blues or limit yourself to three colours such as blues, purples and pops of yellow such as Narcissus ‘Tete a Tete’ for spring lift and contrast.
Foliage plants are a nice addition in container arrangements too. Ivy looks good trailing down a pot, ferns are lovely with bulbs and bergenia are useful for both foliage and flowers at this time of year. You could also add a few shrubs for structure such as camelia with their evergreen waxy leaves and flamboyant flowers in whites, pinks or reds -wonderful for pots in a sheltered, part shade position, planted in ericaceous compost. Enjoy your pot pottering!
Teaching Your Pet To Co-Operate With Procedures
Pets Corner with Leonie St Clair | www.londondogstraining.co.uk
There will come a point when you need your pet to stay still and cooperate for a procedure or inspection. This may be at the vet, to receive medication, or for grooming. Zoo personnel teach stationing behaviours to wild animals, where lions, hippos and primates learn to stay still for blood draws or teeth cleaning. If this can be taught to a wild animal, it is certainly achievable with your cat or dog. There are many ways to train this; the chinrest method below is reasonably straightforward and many pets enjoy the learning process.
Preparation
Have high value, soft treats. Identify a comfortable position and height at which your dog can easily rest their chin (place a rolled- up towel on a low stool or similar).
Chin Rest Onto Palm Of Hand
• Hold an open hand, palm up, just slightly below your dog’s nose. With your other hand hold a treat at the edge of your upturned hand, furthest from your dog’s nose. To encourage your dog to lean forward onto your palm you may have to hold the treat a little further away.
• Hold your upturned palm steady and as your dog reaches to get the treat slightly lower the treat so your dog puts their muzzle onto your palm to get nearer to the food. When you feel their chin on your palm say ‘yes’ and gently give them the treat.
• Repeat. Add a cue like ‘chin’ as your dog rests their muzzle in your palm.
• Next open your palm at chin level, give the cue ‘chin’ and see if your dog performs the muzzle rest. If they do, toggle duration with each go, first count to 1 and reward, next to 3, then to 2. Each time give a treat if your dog keeps their muzzle in place.
Move The Behaviour Onto A Towel
• You will need both hands free to deliver medications or similar. So, you want the dog to rest their chin on something and hold still.
• Try a rolled towel to pad the edge of a stool or chair. For very small dogs try a low box. Ensure the dog does not struggle or strain to rest their chin.
• Put your upturned palm onto the rolled towel.
• Give the cue ‘chin’ and wait for your dog to rest their muzzle on your palm. Toggle durations, as before, and reward each time.
• Now place your upturned palm behind the rolled towel, at the edge furthest from your dog’s nose. Repeat your cue- wait for the dog to stretch their muzzle forward across the rolled towel, to reach your palm. As their chin skims or rests on the material say ‘yes’ and reward.
• Repeat this adding duration slowly, toggling between longer and shorter. You may need to raise or lower the height of the rolled towel to make it more accessible. It will help at first to offer a treat below the level of the rolled material, to encourage the dog to lower their muzzle onto the rolled towel.
The final stages involve building duration of the chin rest and then slowly adding in ear, eye, mouth and body inspections, with appropriate implements. Use of reward is crucial each time. Be patient.
Slivers of Recovery
Fitness tips with Leanne Spencer | www.bodyshotperformance.com
What Are They? And Why Are They Good for Your Wellbeing?
When we think of the term sliver we tend to think about cake or cheese…. However, you could think of recovery in the same way. Taking a sliver of recovery is a way to balance the nervous system, take a deep breath and potentially allow your heart rate to drop slightly, all of which alleviate your perception of stress.
I’ve been introducing the term rocks and pebbles recently. Rocks are things that require concentration, attention, and time – for example introducing an exercise routine or changing your diet. Those things are important, but they can’t be done easily per se. Pebbles, on the other hand, can be done easily, and while they don’t take a lot of time, they can be very impactful. Slivers of recovery are essentially like pebbles. Think of them as short micro-breaks of just 5-10 minutes pebbled throughout the day.
Why Are Slivers of Recovery Good for You?
Short breaks, or “slivers of recovery,” have a powerful impact on reducing stress and building resilience. These micro-rests allow your nervous system to reset, switching from the “fight or flight” state (sympathetic nervous system) to the “rest and digest” state (parasympathetic nervous system). Here’s why they work:
Reduce stress: Brief moments of rest lower cortisol levels, helping to combat the harmful effects of chronic stress.
Reset your nervous system: Activating the parasympathetic nervous system improves heart rate variability (HRV), a key marker of resilience and stress recovery.
Boost focus and productivity: Slivers of recovery restore mental clarity and prevent cognitive fatigue, allowing you to perform better over time.
Promote emotional balance: Small breaks help regulate emotions by calming the mind and reducing irritability.
Support long-term resilience: Regular recovery moments build your capacity to adapt to challenges and maintain high performance.
These small, intentional pauses throughout your day are not just a luxury—they’re essential for sustaining energy and wellbeing.
Examples of Slivers of Recovery
Daydreaming out the window for a couple of minutes: Letting your mind wander allows your brain to reset, promoting relaxation and creativity. Doing two minutes of box breathing: Diaphragmatic breathing can help you regulate your nervous system, reduce anxiety, and increase oxygen flow to the brain.
Doing something meditative like a gentle walk: Gentle movement paired with mindfulness lowers cortisol levels and promotes a sense of calm.
Finding a colleague who makes you laugh and stopping for a quick chat: Laughter releases endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals, and strengthens social connections, reducing stress.
Doing a movement snack: Short bursts of movement boost blood circulation and oxygen to the brain, release tension in the body, and refresh your mind.
Going for a brisk 10-minute walk: Walking in nature or even just around the block promotes physical health, reduces mental fatigue, and enhances problem-solving.
Do some stretching at your desk: Stretching improves circulation, eases muscle tension, and activates the vagus nerve, which helps regulate stress.
What's On - March
Tuesday 4 March: Honor Oak WI Meeting 7.30pm-9.30pm
March's meeting is a speaker from the London Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime talking about holding the Metropolitan Police to account. The Honor Oak WI is a friendly and supportive group of women of all ages, backgrounds and interests. We meet Monthly on the first Tuesday of the month. We also have book, craft clubs, gallery & museum visits and gentle local walks groups. Non-members are very welcome - we’d love to see you! Stanstead Lodge Café, Northwood Road, Forest Hill, SE23 1DD. honoroakwi@gmail.com Honoroak_WI facebook.com/groups/honoroakwi/ Stanstead Lodge Café, Northwood Road, SE23 1DD.
Wednesdays 5, 12, 19 & 26
March: Goose Green Coffee Morning 11am-12.30pm
Do drop into Goose Green Coffee Morning for a warm welcome, coffee, tea and cake! We are open every Wednesday, it's a great place to get to know others from the local community.
All welcome! Free! St John The Evangelist, East Dulwich, 62A East Dulwich Road, SE22 9AT.
Wednesdays 5, 12, 19 & 26
March: Zoom Portraiture @Dulwich Art Group & School
2pm – 5pm. Paint a clothed model with a focus on the portrait over two three-hour sessions. We give you a wide view and a closer portrait view so you can work out the framing for yourself. The model will at times be engaged in conversation in order to bring some animation to the face. ONLINE EVENT: www.dulwichartgroup.co.uk.
Thursday 6, 13, 20 & 27
March: BNI Adventures
6:30am – 8:30am. Part of the award winning multi-national networking organisation, BNI, Adventurers brings together businesses local to Dulwich with the aim of passing business and keeping money in the local community. Givers gain, and members of Adventurers have excelled at both over the last 12 months. Breakfast included. Free parking. Get referrals: boost your business! Contact Hayley 07843 989728 for information. Register at: www.eventbrite.co.uk
Dulwich & Sydenham Golf Club, Grange Lane, College Road, Dulwich, SE21 7LH.
Thursday 6 – Saturday 15
March: FATHOMS - Exhibition of Seascapes by Clare Emily
12pm onwards. An exhibition of British coastline inspired seascapes by Clare Emily. All works for sale. clareemilyart.com
OPENING HOURS: Monday & Tuesday: Closed, Wednesday & Thursday: 12-4pm, Friday: 126pm, Saturday: 10am-6pm, Sunday: 11am-4pm. STUDIO SALE: Sunday 16th March.
Jeannie Avent Gallery, 14 North Cross Road, SE22 9EU
Thursday 6, 13, 20 & 27
March: Goose Green Lunch Club 12.30pm-2pm
The lunch club is a friendly and informal club for people over 55. We meet every Thursday during term time and enjoy a delicious main course and dessert with tea and coffee for £5. If you’re interested in joining us for lunch or if you would like to volunteer with us, please call Martin on 07939 288885 or Barbara on 0208 693 2090.
Goose Green Centre, St John’s Church, 62A East Dulwich Road, East Dulwich SE22 9AT.
What's On - March
Thursday 6 March: Makeup Bag SOS 7pm-9.30pm
Discover new ways to use your current products and elevate your routine. Makeup is about having fun and not taking yourself too seriously. A lot can be achieved with only a few products! Professional makeup artist Victoria Poland invites you to bring your current makeup bag for a delightful evening in the chic West 16th studio on Half Moon Lane. We will have a look inside, tell you what to keep, what to get rid of, and what to invest in!
Your ticket includes a glass of wine and nibbles. West 16th, 137 Half Moon Lane, Herne Hill, SE24 9JY https://www.tickettailor.com/events/dulwichsocial
Fridays 7, 14, 21 & 28 March: Lewisham Underwater Hockey Club 7:30pm – 9pm
Try out underwater hockey at Forest Hill pools every Friday evening. We’re a mixed ability club who play for fun and exercise. Complete beginners welcome - we’ll ease you in gently and have kit you can borrow.
Forest Hill Pools, Dartmouth Road SE23 2HZ. For more information: www.luwhc.org.uk
You can submit your events for free via our website: www.arounddulwich.co.uk
Ripe Old Age
Practical Advice for Navigating Later Life with Michael Scott |
Confidence Tricksters: Elderly Scam Protection
Financial crime is on the rise, and advancements in AI are making these scams more sophisticated and harder to detect. Vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly, are disproportionately affected. Nearly three in five (61%) older people say that they have been the target of a financial fraud, with 17% falling victim. This growing problem calls for increased awareness, especially among older adults, who are often targeted due to their perceived vulnerability.
One shocking example reported recently, involved a French woman called Anne, who lost her life savings after being duped by scammers impersonating Brad Pitt. Using AI tools they created realistic images and messages, together with a fake video news report in which the AIgenerated anchor talked about Pitt's "exclusive relationship with one special individual... who goes by the name of Anne”. The fraudsters convinced her she was in a romantic relationship with the Hollywood star and that Pitt needed money for kidney treatment, his bank accounts being frozen due to divorce proceedings with Angelina Jolie. Ultimately, she transferred $850,000, leaving her emotionally and financially devastated.
Scammers employ psychological tactics that manipulate trust, exploiting emotions like loneliness, compassion, and fear. To gain trust and sympathy, rather than extract personal information from the victim, they confide with the person, sharing the trickster’s own made-up sob story. They skilfully present themselves as relatable, trustworthy figures. For the elderly, who may be seeking companionship or feeling isolated, these tactics can be particularly effective.
Scammers tailor their approach to suit their target’s vulnerabilities, whether through phishing emails, fake investment opportunities, or romantic frauds. They use storytelling to build plausible narratives and gain sympathy. They
rightathome.co.uk/mitcham
then use high-pressure tactics to instil urgency, preventing victims from seeking advice or reconsidering.
Elderly individuals can take specific steps to protect themselves. Awareness is the first line of defence. Questioning unexpected offers, verifying identities independently, and consulting trusted family members or professionals can help avoid falling victim to scams. Learning to recognize warning signs—such as requests for secrecy or urgent financial transfers—can also help seniors stay safe.
Family members, caregivers, and health professionals can help raise awareness about common scams and foster a culture of vigilance and support. More efforts are needed to safeguard our elderly community from financial predators and mitigate the devastating impact of these crimes.
TOP TIPS FOR THE ELDERLY
1) Never open emails or attachments from someone you don’t know.
2) Your bank will NEVER call you and ask for your PIN or for you to give your card to a courier.
3) With doorstep callers remember: Stop, Lock, Chain, Check.
4) Avoid pension scams by getting independent advice before making decisions.
5) Don’t believe letters claiming you have won a fortune. If you haven’t entered a lottery or prize draw, you can’t have won it!
6) Don’t be embarrassed to hang up, say no, or ask someone to leave.
Financial Matters
With Akwasi Duodu | akwasi@sterlingandlaw.com | www.sterlingandlaw.com
How To Avoid Being Scammed Out Of Your Pension
Pension scams are becoming an increasing concern as fraudsters take advantage of unsuspecting individuals, particularly those nearing retirement. Preying on individuals’ lack of awareness, these scammers offer fraudulent schemes that promise unrealistic returns which can lead to devastating financial losses. In 2023 alone, pension scams reportedly cost UK pensioners £30 million, highlighting the urgency of understanding how to protect your hard-earned savings. It is essential to be aware of the red flags, take proactive measures to safeguard your pension, and learn from the reallife stories of others.
Understanding Pension Scams
Pension scams typically involve fraudsters contacting you through unsolicited calls, emails, or social media messages. They often offer “too good to be true” investment opportunities that seem legitimate on the surface but could lead to the loss of pension savings. Common schemes include high-risk investments, such as unregulated overseas ventures, or promises of cashing out a pension early before the age of 55.
The scammer will usually push for a quick decision, offering to help you transfer your pension funds into another account, sometimes using a “special” or “exclusive” opportunity. The reality is, once the funds are transferred, they are often lost with no chance of recovery.
Sarah’s Loss
Sarah, a 62-year-old administrator from Camberwell is one of many victims who have been defrauded of their life savings through a pension scam. In 2019, Sarah was contacted by a smooth-talking investment advisor who promised her a pension investment that could guarantee her a substantial lump sum and income within a few months. The advisor assured Sarah that her pension would be
invested in a safe, tried and tested overseas offplan property scheme, with returns of up to 20% annually. The opportunity seemed legitimate, but had a short time window and was nearing oversubscription. Sarah, keen to secure her financial future, decided to transfer her £150,000 pension savings into the scheme.
At first, Sarah received regular updates showing her investment’s growth. However, after a few months, communication stopped. Contact attempts were futile and the website was down. Sarah soon realised that the company was fake. She had been scammed, and her pension savings were gone.
Sarah was devastated. She had worked for over 30 years, and now, in her retirement, she was left with nothing but a sense of betrayal. Sadly, this is a common outcome for victims of pension scams.
How To Protect Yourself
1) If you receive unsolicited calls, emails, or social media messages about pension opportunities, be wary. Legitimate pension providers never contact you in this way.
2) Always check whether on the FCA’s website that the company is authorised.
3) If an investment promises high returns with little risk, it’s a major red flag.
4) Be cautious of any firm claiming they can help you access your pension before age 55.
5) If in doubt, seek a second opinion from a regulated financial adviser before making any decisions. Always remember, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
OPEN GARDENS 2025
Following the success of Open Gardens 2024, we’re looking for more garden owners to sign up and help raise funds for St Christopher’s
If you have a big garden, small garden, allotment, courtyard or any form of outside space that you’re proud of and would be happy to open to the public, we’d love to hear from you and can provide tips and resources for displaying your own green space.
To find out more, please contact our Community Fundraising team at communityfundraising@ stchristophers.org.uk or call 020 8768 4575 stchristophers.org.uk/opengardens
“I’d really encourage other people to open their gardens. Everyone’s garden is interesting, so it’s not as frightening as you think. It doesn’t have to be perfect.”
MYRA BRIGHT Open Gardener 2024
What's On - March
Friday 7 – Sunday 9 March: Intergenerational
Art Exhibition
Friday 12pm-4.30pm. Sat & Sun 10am-4.30pm.
‘Intergenerational’ is the theme of the exhibition and explores the nature of time (past, present, future). It features the works of artists (ranging in age from 20-97) whose practice has been informed by family connections and shared histories. The artists, each in their own way and at different stages in their career, reflect on the cycle of life, memories and heritage.
On Saturday 8th March an all-day family and friends activity is planned. A drop-in workshop with fun and thoughtful briefs and guided activities including a chance to make a zine or family portrait will be an intergenerational event suited for all ages.
ARTISTS: Anna-Maria Amato, Beth Worth, Bethany Cox, Jo Lewis, Helen Barff, Jeremy Wyatt, Pat Cove, Sue Cox, Victoria Kitchingman, Yoke Matze, Zerrin Attakin. FREE admission, no registration required. www.bellhouse.co.uk. Bell House, 27 College Road SE21 7BG.
Friday 7 March: Somin Kim's School of Kimchi 4pm-6pm
Somin Kim is a Native Korean. She comes from a family based in Jeolla-do, the region known as the ‘hometown of taste.’
Having learned tips and secrets from the generations before her, since childhood, Somin has participated in kimjang (the practice of a whole family coming together to make kilos of kimchi). She has been an environmental activist since college and has been vegan since 2020. Since becoming vegan, she has been thinking about ways to make traditional Korean food vegan and has explored and developed many recipes. She is always working to change the world into a better place, with a healthier food culture by using the heritage of the past and grafting it onto the present for a sustainable future and future generations. Somin will share stories, not only about kimchi but also about Korea's traditional food and fermentation heritage.
Upstairs at Heritage Cheese, 1b Calton Avenue, Dulwich SE21 7DE. https://www.tickettailor.com/events/dulwichsocial
Saturday 8 March: Drop Drop Slow Tears - St Stephen's Consort 7.30pm-9.30pm
A concert for Lent: Francis Poulenc's Four Penitential Motets, and works by William Walton, Aaron Copland, Arvo Pärt, Thomas Weelkes, Gerald Finzi and others, presented by this established and accomplished a cappella group featuring young professional singers. Come and lose yourself in profound and moving music from the English and continental choral traditions. St Stephen's Church, College Road SE217HW. Tickets via Eventbrite.co.uk.
Saturday
8
March: Running Course for Beginners
8am or 9am start. The number one running course in London, if not the country. Organised by Dulwich Park Runners for the last 20 years or so, this course has introduced hundreds of people to the joys of running. Starts on Saturday, March 8th and runs for 8 weeks. Choose 8am or 9am start. Experience incredible support, receive great advice from coaches, and enjoy the motivation that the course provides.
Dulwich Park, College Road, Dulwich, SE21 7EB. www.dulwichparkrunners.co.uk.
Sunday 9 March: Singaround
7pm-10.30pm. Our Singarounds are informal and participative. We take it in turns to sing a song - any language, any genre, accompanied or unaccompanied, anything goes! We don't use the stage or mics. Singers, listeners and complete beginners welcome! £5 on the door, cash or BACS. For more information, please see our website. www.thegooseisout.com.
The Ivy House, 40 Stuart Road, Nunhead, SE15 3BE
Sunday 9 March: Chaat & Chai 3pm-5pm
Discover the art of creating traditional Indian chaat dishes, brew authentic masala tea from scratch, and immerse yourself in a cultural journey with engaging storytelling and interactive experiences. We’re Meghna and Sonam, two passionate home chefs with a shared love for Indian food and culture. Over the years, we discovered a deep love for cooking and spent countless hours perfecting traditional Indian recipes for our friends and families, and these hold a special place in our hearts.
This hands-on event offers a perfect blend of learning, tasting, and cultural immersion. Book your spot now for an unforgettable experience filled with flavour, fun, and tradition!
Please note that unfortunately this workshop is not suitable for people with allergies to nuts, dairy or gluten.
Upstairs at Heritage Cheese, 1b Calton Avenue, Dulwich, SE21 7DE. https://www.tickettailor.com/events/dulwichsocial
What's On - March
Tuesday 11 March: Second Act: What Late Bloomers Can Tell You About Success
7pm-8.30pm. Join us to hear writer and critic Henry Oliver discuss the ideas behind his latest book, ‘Second Act: What Late Bloomers Can Tell You About Success and Reinventing Your Life’
Have you ever dreamed that you might be far more successful than you are today? Our society tells us over and over that if we're going to achieve anything, we'd better do it while we're young. But whether you're at the start of your career, sensing you're on the wrong path, or feeling unsettled later in life, you're likely wondering just how to reinvent yourself? Have you left it too late?
Henry Oliver's book encourages people to think about themselves as potential late bloomers and to discover and encourage and advocate for late blooming in others. After all, it's never too late to discover our hidden talents and our accomplish our goals - the road to success is never as straightforward as we are lead to believe.
Julia Child didn't discover that she loved to cook until she was thirty-seven. Vera Wang started her design business at forty. And Michelangelo painted The Last Judgment in his sixties.
Come along for wonderful storytelling with fascinating new research, to shift expectations around our life trajectories. You'll discover a range of blueprints for self-reinvention, pairing the newest insights from psychology and neuroscience with late bloomers' remarkable life stories, from Penelope Fitzgerald to Samuel Johnson, from Frank Lloyd-Wright to Malcolm X. www.bellhouse.co.uk Bell House, 27 College Road, Dulwich, SE21 7BG
You can submit your events for free via our website: www.arounddulwich.co.uk
What's On - March
Wednesday 12 March:
Book Swap Social
7.30pm-9.30pm. Join us for a Book Swap Social! Bring a book (or two) that you’re ready to part with and exchange it for something new. It’s a fantastic opportunity to meet fellow book lovers, share your thoughts, and discover new reads. Don't forget to leave a Post-it note review on the books you’re bringing to give others a sneak peek into your recommendations.
Sip on your favourite drink while making new friends and expanding your literary collection. It’s the perfect evening for chatting about stories, exploring new genres, and enjoying good company. Hope to see you there! Please bring a maximum of two books.
Copper Beech Café, Red Post Hill, SE24 9JN. https://www.tickettailor.com/events/dulwichsocial
Wednesday 12 March: EDWI
- International Women's DayMeet Anastasia from Ukraine
7.30pm-9.30pm. Our March event is in honour of International Women's Day. We welcome Anastasia from Ukraine, who will give us the insight story of a Ukrainian who experienced the Russian invasion from the first days of war and who can tell us what happened 3 years ago and how the people of Ukraine stand against the challenges they are facing and how they are dealing with the severe conditions. She had to leave Ukraine with her family and rebuild her life in London. It is a story of choices that had to be made to survive, about dreams coming true and the strength of the human soul that never gives up on hope, faith, and love.
The East Dulwich WI welcomes guests to this event. First-time guests attend for free, and returning guests pay a fee of £5. We welcome new members, join in April 2025 for the membership year April 2025 to March 2026. For more information please email at: join@eastdulwichwi.co.uk.
The Castle Pub, Upstairs Function room, 280 Crystal Palace Road East Dulwich, SE22 9JH.
Thursday 13 March: Rodin, Dante and The Gates of Hell
8pm-9pm. Rodin began working on the commission for The Gates of Hell in 1882 and it was not finished by the time he died in 1917. Taking inspiration from Dante's extraordinary work, Rodin created wonderful drawings and filled his magnificent doors with figures which inspire his entire career. We will look at The Kiss and other depictions of characters condemned to Hell for their crimes, and we will look again at the poem, one of the most important works of all time. Visitors welcome £10 door, cash or card.
JAGS Sixth Form Lecture Theatre, Green Dale SE22 8TJ www.theartssocietydulwich.org.uk
Monday 17 March: Dulwich WI Monthly Meeting
7.30pm-9.30pm. Launched in 2018, the Dulwich WI is a supportive and stimulating group for women of all ages and backgrounds. We meet once a month at 57 North Cross Road, SE22 9ET. We would love to meet you and look forward to welcoming you to our group. https://dulwichwi.com.
Thursday 20 March: Craft & Sip Social
You can submit your events for free via our website: www.arounddulwich.co.uk
7pm-9pm. Join us at our lovely new venue Romeo Jones in Dulwich Village for a two-hour crafting session. Bring your knitting, crochet, embroidery, or art project, chat with fellow locals, and enjoy a glass of wine and tasty nibbles. All abilities welcome and support is offered to those starting a new crafting hobby. Ticket includes one glass of wine and nibbles. Additional food and drinks available for purchase. Romeo Jones, 80 Dulwich Village, Dulwich, SE21 7AJ. https://www. tickettailor.com/events/dulwichsocial?
Friday 21 March: Kingswood
Arts Gala Fundraiser 7pm-11pm
Get ready to immerse yourself in a night filled with delicious food, entertainment, and supporting a great cause! We took over the building in January 2022, and it was in need of a lot of love and attention. We rolled up our sleeves and cleared, cleaned, and renovated the building ready to open in April 2023. It's been an unbelievable turnaround, and we can already see the massive impact Kingswood Arts is having, supporting hundreds of local families and breathing life back into a disused heritage building.
We will be rolling out the red carpet so make sure you come dressed to impress or in whatever makes you feel your best! There will be a delicious 3-course meal and a welcome drink included in the price. There will also be a raffle, an auction with some incredible prizes, and entertainment throughout the night!
Kingswood Arts, Seeley Drive, Kingswood Estate, Dulwich, SE21 8QR. Tickets via Eventbrite.co.uk.
What's On - March
Thursday
27 March:
Under 5s Explore: Mini Masterpieces
10am-11am or 11.30am-12.30pm. Spark your child’s imagination through playful painting. Join these exploratory sessions for under 5s. Each session begins with a journey through the Gallery to discover the different people, places and animals in our paintings, followed by an artmaking activity. Our themes change monthly to keep your little creatives engaged and open them up to new ways of playing.
www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk College Road, Dulwich, SE21 7AD
Friday
28 March:
DAMIEN BARBER & MIKE WILSON, Creeping Jane, James Eagle
Sunday 23 March:
Midcentury Modern®
10am-4pm. Join 85 top UK vintage dealers and contemporary designers in Dulwich College's 60s refectory with its floor to ceiling windows, concrete buttresses and acoustic wall with a packed Victorian cloisters beyond. Discover a spectrum of designs from iconic Cherner and Eames to emerging British visionaries. Come share this exceptional space where design enthusiasts gather twice yearly in pursuit of sustainable, collectable design marvels to elevate their homes. For full details please visit: https://modernshows.com/shows/dulwich-1/
7pm-11pm. Two of the most powerful traditional voices in the UK today, Damien Barber & Mike Wilson sing mainly unaccompanied. They have a rich shared repertoire of traditional songs from around the country.Creeping Jane sing unaccompanied songs in unison and harmony. James Eagle is a strong award-winning singer of mainly traditional songs. £14 advance, £16 on the door (cash or BACS). For tickets and lots more information, please see our website: www.thegooseisout.com
The Ivy House, 40 Stuart Road, Nunhead, SE15 3BE
Saturday
29 March:
Dulwich Symphony Orchestra plays Holst/Sibelius/Brahms
7.30pm-9.30pm. An orchestral concert including Holst's Cotswold Symphony and Brahms's Symphony No 2. Conducted by Chris Stark. Tickets £15/£12 from Eventbrite.co.uk. All Saints West Dulwich, Lovelace Road SE21 8JY.
Community Index
Useful Contacts
The University Hospital Lewisham Tel 020 8333 3000
Lewisham Borough Council Tel 020 8314 6000 (24 hrs) www.lewisham.gov.uk
Lewisham Early Years Service Tel 0800 085 0606
Forest Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team Tel: 020 8721 2723
Email: ForestHill.SNT@met.police.uk
Community Groups
Forest Hill Society www.foresthillsociety.com
Friends of One Tree Hill http://friendsofonetreehill.wordpress.com www.facebook.com/friendsofOTH / @Friends_of_OTH
Tewkesbury Lodge Estate Residents’ Association www.tewkesburylodge.org.uk
Sydenham Garden Tel 020 829 11650 www.sydenhamgarden.org.uk
Our Lady and St Philip Neri Friends Association www.olspnfriendsassociation.com
Independent community websites www.se23.com
Local MPs
Ellie Reeves (Lab, Lewisham West) Tel 020 7219 2668 ellie.reeves.mp@parliament.uk
Janet Daby (Lab, Lewisham East) Tel 020 8461 4733
Janet.daby.mp@parliament.uk
Vicky Foxcroft - (Lab, Lewisham North) Tel 020 8469 4638 vicky.foxcroft.mp@parliament.uk
Local Councillors
Forest Hill Ward
Peter Bernards (Labour) Tel 020 8314 9927
cllr_peter.bernards@lewisham.gov.uk
Sophie Davis (Labour) Tel 020 8314 3493
Cllr_Sophie.Davis@lewisham.gov.uk
Billy Harding (Labour) Tel tba
Cllr_billy.harding@lewisham.gov.ukSurgeries
All councillors: 2nd & 4th Saturday of the month, 11am-12.30pm. Forest Hill Library, Dartmouth Road, SE23. 11am–12.30pm.
Perry Vale Ward
John Paschoud (Labour) Tel 020 8314 3437
John.Paschoud@Lewisham.gov.uk
Susan Wise (Labour) Tel 020 8314 2214
cllr_susan.wise@lewisham.gov.uk
Sakina Sheikh (Labour) 020 8314 7963
Cllr_Sakina.Sheikh@lewisham.gov.uk
Surgeries
Meet on the 2nd Wednesday of each month (excluding August) at The Lodge Cafe (Stanstead Lodge Senior Club), 260 Stanstead Road, SE23 1DD. We’ll be there from 10:30am until 12:30pm.
Crofton Park Ward
Chris Barnham (Labour) Tel 020 8314 9896
cllr_chris.barnham@lewisham.gov.uk
Tauseef Anwar (Labour) 020 8314 9930
Cllr_Tauseef.Anwar@lewisham.gov.uk
Carol Webley-Brown (Labour) Tel 07795 915362
cllr_carol.webley-brown@lewisham.gov.uk
Surgeries
Crofton Park councillors offer in-person councillor surgeries on:
2nd Saturday of each month at 11-12
4th Saturday of each month at 11-12
4th Tuesday of each month at 2-3pm
All sessions take place at Crofton Park Community Library, Brockley Road. There are no surgeries in August, nor on 26th July, 24th or 27th December.
Volunteer Drivers Needed
For 30 years, Link Age Southwark has eased loneliness and reduced social isolation for local older people and those living with a diagnosis of dementia. Today, they urgently need more volunteer drivers like Mark. Every Thursday, he collects four older women, from very different backgrounds, driving them to and from singing sessions run by the charity.
“I enjoy listening to them chat when I’m driving them. Hearing about their lives and families is fascinating – they may have limited mobility now, but one of them told me that at 18 she’d been a long jump champion!
They seem to really appreciate the interaction – they’ll ask about my sons, my dogs – it’s lovely to just be me. I retired last year from a very highpressure career where I was constantly ‘on call’. I wanted to explore other aspects of what I can bring to the world.
Link Age Southwark needed drivers. I have a roomy car, and it was an opportunity to give my
BabyBallet
The award winning movement to music, dance & singing programme for boys and girls from 6 months upwards run with a fun, safe and caring environment. Classes in Dulwich. Call Stephanie 07809 148348 | www.babyballet.co.uk.
HartBeeps
Mondays at Christ Church, 263 Barry Road, East Dulwich, SE22 0JT. Mondays 10am Happy House, 11.15am Baby Beeps & 12.30pm Baby Bells.. http://hartbeeps.com
Family Space
Free, creative workshops that take place on the last Saturday of the month at the South London Gallery, 6567 Peckham Road. For children aged 5-12 years old with their parents and carers. Drop-in, no need to book. www.southlondongallery.org
Little Superhero Training
Practice your Superhero moves! Discover Superhero fun facts! Any Little Heroes, Boys and Girls aged 2 - 5, Come along for a FREE taster session. Mondays & Fridays (term time only) St Barnabas Parish Hall, 23 Dulwich Village, SE21 7BT. Contact Lucy 07813 791757 | lucy@littleherocompany.com www.littleherocompany.com
brain a rest, whilst hopefully making a difference. Being a volunteer driver makes me feel good: you’re taking time – listening and being there for others.”
To find out more about becoming a Link Age Southwark volunteer, contact 020 8299 2623; volunteering@linkagesouthwark.org or visit: www.linkagesouthwark.org
Mini Athletics (SE London)
Winning the gold medal for children’s sports classes! Start your child’s fantastic journey in athletic development, designed for toddlers up to children of 7 years old. All through a fun play-based format. To try us out, contact Sam: 07811787153 | smcdermott@miniathletics.com www.miniathletics.com
Tennis-4-Kids
Learn young, have fun. Rally around for a smashing time. Serving ages 3-11. Rackets supplied; fun guaranteed. Gordon 07877 391005 | www.tennis-4-kids.com | gordonwood@hotmail.co.uk
‘Unicornios y Dinosaurios’
Fun and interactive Spanish language play classes, for children aged 0-5, and their parents and carers. Thursdays mornings (term-time only) in East Dulwich. Suitable for all levels of Spanish! Contact Hazel on 07852 553 239 or hazelcarr@ hotmail.com.
Your Class Here
If you would like to advertise your children’s class here, please e-mail angela@semagazines.co.uk for details.
The Last Word with Michael Spencer
Michael grew up in Grays in Essex, left school at 18 and went to work in an insurance office in the city. Three years later he quit and went to Art School at Wimbledon to study Theatre Design. Fifteen years as a set and costume designer followed, designing plays and operas all over the UK, and in the US. In the late 1980s he moved to Honor Oak Park where he still lives with his wife, and one of his three (now grown up) children. He ran the undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Performance Design at Central Saint Martins (UAL) for 21 years before retiring in 2020. He can now be found drawing in and around the many green spaces in SE23.
How long have you lived in the area?
Just under 35 years. I moved from North London because It was more affordable, if less convenient for public transport (at the time) but I soon came to love It much more than living north of the river!
What brought you here?
Buying the house and the fact that the SE23 was so much greener than Crouch End!.
The one thing you would you change?
I would have said transport links but now the Overground is here, the links are fantastic. So, these days I would say I would prefer more recycling facilities… which are there… but not enough.
Do you know your neighbours?
Yes, both sides and many people in the street. There have been many changes. When we came, we were one of the very few in the street who owned the property - most were renting. Now, it’s the opposite - the much younger residents now all own their houses… which they expand rapidly! One of our old neighbours were Rodney Garages - where they once were Is now some very nice houses,
Do you belong to any groups?
I take part in a twice-weekly Tai Chi group on Sunderland Road, volunteer at Lewisham Foodbank (as a driver) in SE6 and have just started a weekly Life Drawing Class In Deptford.
Where are you to be found on Saturday?
Ideally walking or drawing…or listening to the football on '5 Live' whilst cooking. I do like walking 'the 3 peaks' - over Blythe Hill, through Ladywell Fields, up to Hilly Fields and then back home to Honor Oak via One Tree Hill
Coffee or tea? Where?
There's a lot of choice! I like Le Delice next to Ladywell Station, because it's great coffee and a halfway point on the ‘3-Peaks’ walk! The Rise café on Blockley Rise Is also a hidden gem.
Cafe, pub or bar?
Well, I like all three… my favourite local pub Is Blythe Hill Tavern, the best Irish pub south of the river and the older staff are the most smartly dressed of anywhere In London.
The best kept secret..
Nona Maria on Brockley Rise - small family-owned Italian restaurant. Lovely atmosphere - genuine Italian family cooking. Net Printers in Lewisham centre Is a wonderful facility who have helped me many times with high quality prints.
My perfect holiday..
Summer months in any small city/large town In Italy. I also love the ‘going up north’, especially Derbyshire and Yorkshire, for walking and drawing. Christmases at Scarborough or Whitby are family favourites.
My secret ambition..
It's a long list…but one Is to stage a devised version of Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' with a large group of people (non-performers) in a flexible non-theatre space that is accessible to all. Also, to see my seniors at Southwark Playhouse perform somewhere significant like the National Theatre.
‘Just Up The Road’ - Drawings of local green spaces by Michael Spencer Until March 2nd at: www.artdoglondon.co.uk www.instagram.com/ms_artwork1/
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We love to receive feedback from our advertisers and readers. Here are a selection of our Google Reviews! Why not give Angela a call on 020 8693 9040 & see what the magazines
"SE Magazines have always been longstanding supporters of the work of Link Age Southwark. From holding an annual Christmas lunch raising funds to enable our work to support older people in the community to promoting our volunteering opportunities. We really value the professional and high quality service they provide to the community."
Link Age Southwark – Local Charity
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